New Zealand's search for a grand start
| Date | June 08, 2024 |
| Time | 5:00 AM IST |
| Venue | Providence Stadium, Guyana |
| Format | T20i |
| Series | ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Devon Conway has odds of 3.05 to be New Zealand's best batsman.
- Ibrahim Zadran has odds of 3.15 to be Afghanistan's best batsman.
- Trent Boult has odds of 3.65 to be New Zealand's best bowler
- Rashid Khan has odds of 3.25 to be Afghanistan's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
We expect a close contest in the 14th game in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. New Zealand will begin its campaign by taking on Afghanistan. The odds favor New Zealand as the side has the right balance with the bat and the ball. They have a clean record against Afghanistan and shall look to build on that. Afghanistan has had a positive start with a massive win against Uganda. They must build on this momentum to surprise the Kiwis. Both are star-studded sides, and we expect a good contest.
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand has always been one of the top contenders for the title on cricket betting sites but has struggled in crunch games. Kane Williamson would look to change that in this tournament. The Kiwi skipper who likes leading from the front shall eye a perfect start. They have all bases covered with the bat and the ball, and Williamson expects a clinical show from his players.
Devon Conway and Finn Allen are aggressive players, and the team expects an electrifying start to this game. Kane Williamson must anchor the innings in the middle order and shall look to build partnerships with Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman. In the lower middle order, the side will expect an explosive show from Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, and Mitchell Santner.
The tried and tested pair of Trent Boult and Tim Southee will look to make effective use of the new ball and put the Afghan top order under pressure. The wicket will assist Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, and they will look to slow the scoring rate in the middle overs. Daryl Mitchell, Neesham, and Glenn Phillips will aim to do well in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for New Zealand
Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi
Afghanistan Preview
Rashid Khan and his players will look to build on the momentum after their gigantic win against Uganda. It was complete domination by the Afghans as they defeated their opponents by 125 runs. It will be a different ball game against the Kiwis, and they aren't the favorites on cricket betting apps. Khan wants his side to punch above its weight and win the game.
The side will expect a good start from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who had a match-winning stand against Uganda. Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, and Gulbadin Naib are experienced campaigners and look to build partnerships. The team also needs contributions from Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai in the lower middle order to do well.
Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will look to repeat their show against Uganda with the new ball. Rashid Khan must lead from the front in the middle overs and apply brakes on the scoring rate with Naveen-ul-Haq. The side will need contributions from Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Nabi in the supporting roles.
Expected Starting XI for Afghanistan
Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Karim Janat, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq
TOSS: To Bowl First
Most teams have won games chasing the score at this venue. The wicket gets better to bat on as the game progresses, and the bowlers have their best chance in the early overs. The side winning the toss won't hesitate to bowl first on this track
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We expect cloudy skies over Guyana on this day. It is a good batting surface, and batsmen who get used to the pace and bounce have done well. There isn't much on this surface for the bowlers and they must stick to their line and lengths. A score of 180 runs will be good to defend on this track.
OUR PREDICTION
Afghanistan will start confidently in this game after their massive win in their first match. However, it will be a bigger test for them as New Zealand batsmen will take on their bowlers. They must restrict the Kiwis to a small total to win this game. New Zealand has the right balance in both departments. With a stronger bowling attack, they start favorites in this game.
Our prediction is for New Zealand to win
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